Another Bar Game review

The good old English boozer is a way of life. Head down to your local bar, grab a pint, and moan about the world. We Brits are a funny lot. We complain about dirty tables, lousy service, and a terrible atmosphere. Accordingly, it is strange that I’d want to bring these issues to my home. However, this is exactly what I’m doing as I tackle Another Bar Game.

Arik Games has developed and published this relatively repetitive affair. It is a single-player game that can be hectic, unfair, and funny. Thankfully, it has a simple approach and 3 difficulty settings to help you on your way. Subsequently, although I failed many times, I could just about work through the madness.

Another Bar Game tells a simple tale.

This genre doesn’t really need a complex story, but it does help to push things along. Unfortunately, Another Bar Game tells a simple tale that won’t blow you away. Unlike Moving Out, Overcooked, and Tools Up, the plot doesn’t affect the gameplay.

You play the role of a veteran bartender who must help the local publican. Each ale house has a unique look and an array of weird and wonderful customers to appease. Furthermore, you’ll work alone as you clean glasses, serve beer, dish out popcorn, and wipe tables. It’s one hell of a juggling act, but it is rewarding when things go well.

Simple ideas.

Although a lot is going on, Another Bar Game has plenty of simple ideas. The hero must pick the right drink for each person. If they get it wrong, you’ll have to pour it away and start again. On top of this, you must be quick if you are to keep everyone happy. However, too much speed can cause you to drop the beer. Consequently, you must weigh up risk and reward.

If this isn’t enough, you’ll have to serve water to drunk clients, popcorn to keep people happy, and wash glasses at an ungodly rate. Though this sounds menacing and unfair, there is a character progression system to help you out. Run faster, collect more glasses, pour your drinks quicker, and increase your balance. These abilities help you to fly through the levels and keep the beer flowing.

Another Bar Game looks nice.

Another Bar Game neither shines nor fades. It’s a nice-looking title that is pleasant to the eye. The colour palette is varied and the backdrops are unique. Furthermore, the animation is smooth, and I encountered minimal bugs or issues. The audio is a little repetitive, but it works. The music is lighthearted and energetic. Moreover, the sound effects are basic and suitable.

The controls are well laid out and responsive. This is essential as Another Bar Game has a limited tutorial. Although it lets trial and error guide you, it is easy to master thanks to the varied difficulty settings. Replay value is where this falls short. There is a sandbox bar to keep you going, but the action is repetitive. Consequently, this only keeps you coming back in casual bursts.

Another Bar Game is fun, but limited.

Another Bar Game needed a cooperative or online mode. Had this happened, it would have competed with its peers. Instead, it is a bit of a niche experience that limits its potential. Despite these complaints, I liked the aesthetics, the simple controls, and the fun action. Accordingly, I like it and recommend getting it from the Xbox store!